News
Telwatta tsunami museum: Rs. 400M building that’s still a mere building
View(s):The tsunami museum and cultural centre at Telwatta in Peraliya, the scene of the world’s worst train disaster, were built spending about Rs 400 million. But for the past six years, they have remained mere buildings.
Pix and text by Gamini Mahadura
The centre was built on 530-perches of land which had been donated by pensioner and social service activist Ariyaratne Maduwaga, (now 82), to build houses for those displaced by the 2004 tsunami.
The foundation stone was laid on December 24, 2005. The project was to be completed within two years under the supervision of the Moratuwa University. But until 2011 little or no work was done.
In 2011, another ceremony was held to lay another foundation stone, after the first foundation stone and the plaque were smashed up and dumped into a pit. This time, the project progressed and was completed at a cost of Rs. 400 million.
Peraliya was the scene of the world’s largest single train disaster. Some 1,700 passengers travelling in the Matara-bound train perished when the waves hit the carriages, smashing it against trees and houses lined along the track. The twisted railway track spoke volumes for the force of the waves.
Ariyaratne Maduwaga
The 145 foot-long twisted railway track was to be placed in the museum as a solemn reminder of the tragedy, but it was cut into pieces and disposed of, residents lament.
Mr Maduwage said that in addition, several items belonging to the victims had been collected and were to be displayed at the museum but that too had not been done.
The cultural centre is meant to have hostel facilities for researchers and a library containing old ola leaves, and books on various subjects. A tourism centre depicting the culture and traditions of the south was also to be a part of the project, the Sunday Times learns.